What Happens Now?

She was a funny and intelligent young woman. Full of life. It was just so good being around her.

I didn't do enough of that, especially after she moved back to Italy. I didn't spend enough time telling her how much I appreciated her -- and why.

She died of cancer last week.

Do we do enough to tell the people we admire, those who support us, and even those who don't (see the social media silliness over who is right/real, etc.) how much they influence our thinking? How much we'd miss them?

I ran to Nordstrom for a make-up emergency the other day (yes, we do have those), and was introduced to a new line of products I didn't know by a knowledgeable representative. She kept saying she wasn't in sales, but that's exactly who I would put in such a position.

She was articulate, a great listener, passionate about the product line... and patient. We ended up talking about exercise -- I recommended IMX Pilates to straighten her core, suggested a store for running shoes, etc. -- and life. Her father had recently passed away, and she worried about her mother.

Her counsel on products was experienced and valuable to me. I ended up making the purchase, happily. And I know I will enjoy it, too. Upon parting, she invited a hug. It took me by surprise, because although we do that in Italy all the time, people don't do that here. If they do it, they don't mean it. She meant it, sincerely.

I consider myself fortunate for being aware that the most important part of connecting is being present to people and relationships.

Forget what happens next. What happens now?

What happens now is the key to superb executions, memorable experiences -- and a desire to repeat them. It works on me -- and I'm made of Teflon when it comes to marketing messaging and pitches. (I get so many that are off the mark, and volume buries the good ones)

When in doubt, be there. It will help you attract people, engage them, and often enough move beyond mere transactions to relationships. And you know what ignites relationships and keeps them going -- love.

If you don't love what you do -- for whatever reason -- find a way to love who you do it with and for. It will make a world of difference.

Don't worry about what happens next. Focus on what happens now.

***

BTW -- I got gifts wherever I went that day. Just by being open to making connections with people.

Comments

gifts are such a precious exchange! It's the process of choosing the right one, thinking about the person, creating the story that surrounds the gift that is so enjoyable. Glad to know you're approaching it with such thoughtfulness.

I remember when Michael J. Fox announced about his health issues. He did an interview, I forgot where, and said how quickly you learn to edit down, get to the core of things. That comment stayed with me over the years.

Time and the people in our lives. Going around accumulating more of everything, when we hardly spend enough time looking at and enjoying what we have. My thoughts are with you and your sister.

you gave me a bit of food for thought here about efficiency for my Monday post. I think if we track results, we'd balance in favor of effective vs. what we perceive as being efficient. My mother taught me -- when you're in a hurry, slow down. You'll make fewer mistakes, and enjoy what you're doing a lot more, which gives off that nice vibe to others... I love Florence and surrounding area. Thank you for the visual.

Conversation Agent

Conversation Agent focuses on business, technology, digital culture, and customer psychology. At Conversation Agent LLC, I help organizations and brands that want to build better customer experiences tell a new story.